Low How

Standing at just 1,671 feet, Low How might not be the Lake District's most famous peak, but this modest fell east of Penrith delivers proper views without the usual tourist crowds. The summit sits above Ullswater's eastern shore, offering a cracking perspective across England's second-largest natural lake towards the higher fells beyond.

Walkers looking for a half-day adventure will find this one suits perfectly. The ascent from the Howtown area takes about two hours each way, following clear paths through bracken and heather before opening onto grassy slopes near the top. You won't need mountaineering skills here - it's well within reach of reasonably fit families with older children.

What makes Low How special isn't the height but the position. From the summit cairn, Ullswater stretches away beneath you like a blue ribbon, while Helvellyn and the eastern fells form a dramatic backdrop. On clear days, you can trace the lake's famous zigzag shape almost to Pooley Bridge.

The fell makes an excellent addition to a Lake District break, particularly if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Ullswater Holiday Park or Castlerigg Hall. After a morning's walk, you could easily combine it with a lakeside pub lunch or an afternoon exploring Pooley Bridge. Much more achievable than Helvellyn, and often just as rewarding.